Punchestown Festival Day 4 Tips (2025)

William Hill racing writer Steve Mullington previews the fourth day of this year’s Punchestown Festival, which takes place on Friday 2nd May 2025.

15:40 – Stanley Asphalt Hunters Chase for the Bishopscourt Cup

We have yet another contest for Hunter Chasers on Friday, this time over a trip of 2m4½f and SIXHANDSINMYPOCKET is expected to go well for trainer Conor O’Dwyer.

Although the eight-year-old is winless in 21 rules starts, he’s shown enough on the point scene to make him a live contender and is an each-way player.

Multiple point winner Fountain House appears to be his chief danger.

16:15 – Event Power Champion Hunters Chase

The Hunters are in action once more, this time over 3m½f, and the Cheltenham Festival Hunters runner-up ITS ON THE LINE is the worthy favourite.

The JP McManus-owned eight-year-old has a very solid profile in these types of races and rarely finishes out of the frame.

Dorking Cock is also an outsider to consider from the shrewd Stuart Crawford yard.

16:50 – Hanlon Concrete Irish EBF Mares Chase (Grade 2)

Course and distance winner BRIDES HILL can exact revenge on her contemporary Dinoblue in this Grade 2 Chase for mares.

The pair met at The Festival with Dinoblue coming out the 8½ length victor, but Gavin Cromwell’s mare came alive at this track last May and thrives with the sun on her back.

17:25 – QuinnBet Novice Handicap Chase (Listed)

UK Champion jockey Sean Bowen picks up a nice ride aboard MOON D’ORANGE and the seven-year-old looks poised to give the Welshman another great Irish spin.

Only beaten 3½ lengths in the recent Grade 2 Silver trophy at Cheltenham, the 134-rated chaser should be on the premises come the closing stages.

Dangers include Zenta and Nara in the famous green and gold hoops.

18:05 – Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

THE YELLOW CLAY has had the season of all seasons for Gordon Elliott and can land yet another Graded race on Friday.

Just denied the completion of a five-timer at The Festival, the six-year-old is a solid bet for win purposes. Queensbury Boy can complete the forecast in our sports betting market.

18:40 – Boodles Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

My instinct says to take on Constitutional Hill again today after what we have witnessed in his last two runs.

STATE MAN looked sure to pick up the bounty at Cheltenham before his untimely error at the last, but lightening surely can’t strike twice and he can confidently cash in on any jumping issues Constitutional Hill may exhibit.

19:10 – Uniquely Novice Hurdle

Nicky Henderson can go home with at least some silverware when his youngster KHRISMA shows us just how useful she is.

The French-bred was very good in France over 1m4f /1m5f trips for AQPS horses, and her Windsor hurdles debut was thoroughly pleasing. She looks sure to build upon that experience.

Newcomer Deanery Charlie is also worth keeping an eye on.

19:40 – Overlander Horseboxes INH Flat Race

Ex-pat Lorna Fowler has turned out some nice horses over the years from her training base in Ireland, and her runner KING JON OLIVER may be the solution to who wins Friday’s closing bumper?

The five-year-old was staying on well in the closing stages of his debut race at Naas, and it interesting that Fowler has booked a 7lb claimer to ride.

King Rasko Grey is likely to go off favourite in our horse racing betting for the Willie Mullins/Jody Townend combination.